World ARC fleet explores Mauritius

by World Cruising Club on 24 Oct 2014 After the arrival of the last boats to Mauritius, the World ARC fleet have been enjoying their time exploring what the island has to offer. The 21 yachts making up the fleet have created a spectacle in the Caudan Basin in Port Louis. The fleet dressed overall with colourful flags has proved to be one of the main attraction for the Caudan Waterfront.

On Monday, crews enjoyed a tour visiting sights of the north of Mauritius. First was a visit to the Labourdonnais Château, a beautifully restored mansion built in 1859 that played an important role in the main export of sugar in Mauritius. This was followed by a tour of L’aventure du Sucre. The museum allowed the chance for crews to fully explore the history of the sugar cane plantations and process of turning the cane in to sugar, and there was even chance for rum tastings! A lunch of Mauritian cuisine followed by a guided visit to the SSB Botanical Gardens made for a great day out.

Yesterday a prize giving reception on the dock supported by the Caudan Waterfront and Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) was a fitting way to celebrate the fleet’s time on the island. Welcomed by Sega Dancers, live music and local cuisine, the prize giving reception for Leg 11 (Cocos Keeling Islands to Mauritius) was an entertaining evening.

Boingo Alive were winners in Class A and Alpheratz in Class B creating competition for the next leg. The evening also presented the chance for thanks. Brian Fox of American Spirit II took the opportunity to thanks those who helped them at sea after their forestay broke mid ocean.

After words of thanks to representatives who have made the Word ARC stay in Mauritius memorable, including Dr Karl Mootsamy (Chairman of the MPTA), Phillipe d’Adrifat (Centre Manager du Caudan Waterfront) and Captain Newoor (Assistant Port Master of the Mauritius Port Authority), the evening was a fine way to conclude the fleets time in Mauritius before setting sail to La Reunion on Thursday.